Srinagar, Oct 10: The India Travel Mart (ITM) in Srinagar is expected to bring more and more international and Indian buyers next year to Kashmir. The government contemplates to arrange more buyer-seller meets of international level and delegations from over 10 countries would participate in these marts next year.
 This was stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora on the concluding ceremony of the travel mart today.
 Curiously, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani had formally inaugurated the exhibition on Sunday, which had begun a day earlier, and visited every stall at the Mart.
 The ministers on the concluding day of the 3-day exhibition were elated with the “success” of the mart and appreciated the “efforts” of Tourism Department for “its supporting role to promote inbound, domestic and outbound tourism in J&K.
 The ministers said the Tourism Department will continue to support India Travel Mart for inviting Buyers and Sellers across the country and globe, to Srinagar next year.
 Farooq Shah, Director Tourism, Kashmir said the Mart was aimed at bringing the industry face-to-face with the travel trade, corporate buyers and the end-customers.
 He highlighted the potential of adventure and sports tourism of J&K describing the state as unique and interesting destination for adventure lovers, golfers, trekkers, skiers, rafters, mountaineers, etc.
 On this occasion, a large number of tour organizers, travel agents and tour operators from different parts of the country especially New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune were invited for the B2B sessions held on the first two days of the exhibition.
 Presidents, Executive Committees and Members of all Travel Trade and Hotel Associations of Jammu & Kashmir actively participated in the meet.
  The event was organized by I-Creative Minds. Managing Director of I-Creative Minds, Ajay Gupta, said the ITM showcased the best from the travel, tourism, hospitality and other related industries. He said today’s stressful lives call for refreshing holiday and unique travel destinations and this exhibition aimed at the same.
 The participants included international tourism boards namely Malaysia Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kerela Tourism, Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Himachal Pradesh Tourism and leading tourism associations, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, and many others related ventures from various cities
 Awards were distributed on the concluding day among some stall holders. The Best Decoration Stall award went to Rajasthan, Best Display Award to Tourism Malaysia, Best Presentable Stall to Amazing Thailand. Himachal Tourism, Kerela Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism were also awarded for various categories.
 Mementos were given by Director Tourism, Kashmir Farooq Shah to the exhibitors and participants who were actively involved in the exhibition.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST